Personality's Role in Raising Support

Introverts and Extroverts

There are two types of people in this world: introverts and extroverts.

Extroverts are loud, often obnoxious, and not afraid to say what's on their minds. (With that sentence, can you possibly guess which type of person I am?) Never mind that often no one wants to know what's on their mind, but since no one can tell them honestly that they're too brash, they spout their opinion to breathing bodies. They are the salesmen of the world. They're not afraid of making mistakes and don't mind rejection.

Introverts on the other hand like to have solitude. Some could be salespeople but most of the time they are out of the limelight. They like their space and privacy. Put them in front of a computer for hours on end and they are happy. Extroverts are the exact opposite. Put them in front of people all day long and they're happy as can be.They need to interact freely and liberally with people to justify their existence.

So, which of the two groups do you think would be great fund raisers? The extroverts clearly have an advantage in this realm because it's what they do. It's not that introverts couldn't do that, it's just that they may not like doing it. That's the difference.

Think of it a different way. Everybody that has a decent high school education can write. The issue normally is does that person LIKE to write? If yes, then it's a fairly easy proposition. If no, then even the simplest of tasks are just that, arduous tasks. 

What the introvert brings to the fundraising table, the extrovert simply cannot touch: sincerity and trustworthiness.

When you are dealing with money, the introvert wins hands down in the trust and believability department. Now, they could be just as slimy as a used car salesman, but they come across a lot smoother and more trustworthy. You cannot buy or fake that kind of trust. It's who you are.